Reach Space Analysis of Baseline Differential Extrinsic Plasticity Control.

The neuroplasticity rule Differential Extrinsic Plasticity (DEP) has been studied in the context of goal-free simulated agents, producing realistic-looking, environmentally-aware behaviors, but no successful control mechanism has yet been implemented for intentional behavior. The goal of this paper is to determine if "short-circuited DEP," a simpler, open-loop variant can generate desired trajectories in a robot arm. DEP dynamics, both transient and limit cycles are poorly understood.

A field-tested robotic harvesting system for iceberg lettuce.

Agriculture provides an unique opportunity for the development of robotic systems; robots must be developed which can operate in harsh conditions and in highly uncertain and unknown environments. One particular challenge is performing manipulation for autonomous robotic harvesting. This paper describes recent and current work to automate the harvesting of iceberg lettuce.